From School Library Journal

Grade 5 Up–This exciting collection contains clear directions, sharp photos, and precise illustrations. Models are photographed wearing the jewelry and crafting the beautiful designs. Varied typefaces and a neat overall arrangement of text and photos add to the appeal. Work space, tools, supplies, storing, measuring, design, color, and bead types are just a sampling of subjects discussed. An excellent chart provides further clarification of which materials to use for optimum success. More than a dozen sidebars give helpful hints. Specific tools and materials will need to be purchased, such as a wire cutter, pliers, beads, clasps, wires, polymer clay, etc. For some projects, adult help may be required (using a drill, superglue, oven, glue gun). Jewelry designs include necklaces, bracelets, charms, rings, and hair ornaments. Nearly a dozen "found object" creations use unusual supplies such as copper washers, nuts and bolts, shrink-plastic, and more. This is a terrific book to introduce the joys of making jewelry. Use along with Sonal Bhatt's Totally Beads (Sterling, 2001).–Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY

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From Booklist

Gr. 5-8. Beading is big, and so is this book. Oversize and with some heft, it is full of good ideas and practical information. Newcomb clearly explains tools and measuring, and introduces common forms of patterning, at the same time urging experimentation. The up-to-the-moment projects are one of the best things about the book. The bracelets, necklaces, hair bands, and barrettes look like things girls actually wear. The other standout quality is the book's cool, crisp design; even the typeface looks contemporary. Color photographs (featuring preteen models) display equipment and, of course, the finished product. Some kids may not know where to find beads and charms as cute as the ones used here, so a list of Web sites or vendors would have been helpful. Ilene Cooper

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